OFFICE OF THE

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

The Building Regulations 2000

Ventilation

APPROVED DOCUMENT

MAIN CHANGES IN THE 1995

EDITION
This edition of Approved Document F, Ventilation,
replaces the 1990 edition. The main changes are:
Requirement F1
DOMESTIC BUILDINGS
1. Background ventilation defined more clearly,
provisions improved (added to bathrooms and
sanitary accommodation and area increased in
habitable rooms) and the range of examples
expanded.
2. Passive stack ventilation introduced as an
alternative option to mechanical extract ventilation
for domestic kitchens, bathrooms and sanitary
accommodation.
3. Guidance on the use of open-flued combustion
appliances for extract ventilation added.
4. Provision for opening windows in kitchens
added as a supplement to extract ventilation.
5.

Ventilation of utility rooms added.

6. Guidance clarified on reducing the risk of flue

gas spillage from open-flued appliances due to
mechanical extract ventilation.
7. Ventilating to a courtyard (restricted external air
space) omitted.
8. Ventilation of common spaces in buildings
containing two or more dwellings omitted.
NON-DOMESTIC BUILDINGS
1. Provision for ventilation of non-domestic
buildings introduced.

Ventilation

Approved Document

Contents
PAGE

USE OF GUIDANCE

MEANS OF VENTILATION
THE REQUIREMENT F1

GUIDANCE
Performance
Definitions

6
6

Section 1: Domestic buildings

Introduction to provisions

7
Ventilation of non-habitable rooms not containing 9
openable windows
Ventilation of habitable rooms through other
9
rooms and spaces
Interaction of mechanical extract ventilation
10
and open-flued combustion appliances
Alternative approaches
10
Section 2: Non-domestic buildings

11

Introduction to provisions
Mechanical ventilation of rooms
Ventilation of common spaces in nondomestic buildings
Alternative approaches
Ventilation of specialist activities
Ventilation of car parks
Design of mechanical ventilation/airconditioning plant
Alternative approaches
Access for maintenance
Commissioning

11
12
12

14
14
14

CONDENSATION IN ROOFS
THE REQUIREMENT F2

15

GUIDANCE
Performance
Introduction to provisions

PAGE

DIAGRAMS
F1
1. Provisions for background ventilation
2. Two rooms treated as a single room for
ventilation purposes
3. A habitable room ventilated through an
adjoining space
4. Provisions for background ventilation
5. Space for access

12
14

F2
6. Ventilating roof voids
7. Ventilating roof voids

16
17

TABLES
F1
1. Ventilation of rooms containing openable
windows (ie located on an external wall)
2. Ventilation of rooms containing openable
windows (ie located on an external wall)

8
9
9

11

12
13
13
13

15
15

Section 1: Roofs with a pitch of 15 or more 16

(pitched roofs)
Alternative approach
16
Section 2: Roofs with a pitch of less than
15 and those where the ceiling follows the
pitch of the roof
Alternative approach

17

Standards referred to

18

Other publications referred to

18

Approved Document

17

Ventilation
1

THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS

Use of Guidance
THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS
The Building Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/2531), which
come into operation on 1 st January 2001, replace the
Building Regulations 1991 (SI 1991/2768) and
consolidate all subsequent revisions to those
regulations. This document is one of a series that has
been approved and issued by the Secretary of State
for the purpose of providing practical guidance with
respect to the requirements of Schedule 1 to and
regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2000 for
England and Wales.
At the back of this document is a list of all the
documents that have been approved and issued
by the Secretary of State for this purpose.
Approved Documents are intended to provide
guidance for some of the more common building
situations. However, there may well be alternative
ways of achieving compliance with the requirements.
Thus there is no obligation to adopt any
particular solution contained in an Approved
Document if you prefer to meet the relevant
requirement in some other way.
Other requirements
The guidance contained in an Approved Document
relates only to the particular requirements of the
Regulations which the document addresses. The
building work will also have to comply with the
requirements of any other relevant paragraphs in
Schedule 1 to the Regulations.
There are Approved Documents which give
guidance on each of the Parts of Schedule 1 and
on regulation 7.

LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with regulation 8, the requirements in
Parts A to K and N of Schedule 1 to the Building
Regulations do not require anything to be done
except for the purpose of securing reasonable
standards of health and safety for persons in or about
buildings (and any others who may be affected by
buildings or matters connected with buildings).

MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP

Any building work which is subject to the
requirements imposed by Schedule 1 to the Building
Regulations should, in accordance with regulation 7,
be carried out with proper materials and in a
workmanlike manner.
You may show that you have complied with regulation 7
in a number of ways. These include the appropriate use
of a product bearing CE marking in accordance with the
Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC)1 as
amended by the CE Marking Directive (93/68/EEC)2, or
a product complying with an appropriate technical
specification (as defined in those Directives), a British
Standard, or an alternative national technical
specification of any state which is a contracting party
to the European Economic Area which, in use, is

equivalent, or a product covered by a national or

European certificate issued by a European Technical
Approval Issuing body, and the conditions of use are
in accordance with the terms of the certificate. You
will find further guidance in the Approved Document
supporting regulation 7 on materials and
workmanship.
Independent certification schemes
There are many UK product certification schemes.
Such schemes certify compliance with the
requirements of a recognised document which is
appropriate to the purpose for which the material is to
be used. Materials which are not so certified may still
conform to a relevant standard.
Many certification bodies which approve such
schemes are accredited by UKAS.
Technical specifications
Building Regulations are made for specific purposes:
health and safety, energy conservation and the
welfare and convenience of disabled people.
Standards and technical approvals are relevant
guidance to the extent that they relate to these
considerations. However, they may also address
other aspects of performance such as serviceability,
or aspects which although they relate to health and
safety are not covered by the Regulations.
When an Approved Document makes reference to a
named standard, the relevant version of the standard
is the one listed at the end of the publication.
However, if this version has been revised or updated
by the issuing standards body, the new version may
be used as a source of guidance provided it continues
to address the relevant requirements of the
Regulations.
The appropriate use of a product which complies with
a European Technical Approval as defined in the
Construction Products Directive will meet the relevant
requirements.
The Department intends to issue periodic
amendments to its Approved Documents to reflect
emerging harmonised European Standards. Where a
national standard is to be replaced by a European
harmonised Standard, there will be a co-existence
period during which either standard may be referred
to. At the end of the co-existence period the national
standard will be withdrawn.

As implemented by the Construction Products

Regulations 1991 (SI 1991/1620)

As implemented by the Construction Products

(Amendment) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/3051)

F
THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH,
SAFETY AND WELFARE)
REGULATIONS 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 contain some requirements which
affect building design. The main requirements are
now covered by the Building Regulations, but for
further information see: Workplace health, safety and
welfare, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992, Approved Code of Practice and
Guidance; The Health and Safety Commission, L24;
Published by HMSO 1992; ISBN 0-11-886333-9.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 apply to the common parts of flats
and similar buildings if people such as cleaners and
caretakers are employed to work in these common
parts. Where the requirements of the Building
Regulations that are covered by this Part do not apply
to dwellings, the provisions may still be required in the
situations described above in order to satisfy the
Workplace Regulations.

F1

MEANS OF VENTILATION

The Requirement
This Approved Document deals with the following
Requirement from Part F of Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations 2000.

Requirement

Limits on application

Means of ventilation
F1.
There shall be adequate means of ventilation
provided for people in the building.

Requirement Fl does not apply to a

building or space within a building a) into which people do not normally
go; or
b) which is used solely for storage; or
c) which is a garage used solely in
connection with a single dwelling.

Reference should be made to: Approved Document

B for guidance on the design of Mechanical
ventilation and air-conditioning systems for the
purpose of fire safety; and Approved Document J
in relation to the provision for combustion air to
appliances.
Note: attention is drawn to the Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
The provisions in this Approved Document would,
in accordance with Section 23(3) of the Health and
Safety at Work, etc Act 1974, if followed, prevent
the service of an improvement notice with regard
to the requirements for ventilation in regulation 6(1)
of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992.

Previous page
is blank

Approved Document

Means of Ventilation
5

F1

Guidance
Performance
In the Secretary of State's view the requirement of
F1 will be met if ventilation is provided which under
normal conditions is capable (if used) of restricting
the accumulation of such moisture (which could
lead to mould growth) and pollutants originating
within a building as would otherwise become a
hazard to the health of the people in the building.
This could be achieved by the provision of
ventilation to:
a. extract, before it is generally widespread, water
vapour from areas where it is produced in
significant quantities (eg kitchens, utility rooms and
bathrooms);
b. extract, before they are generally widespread,
pollutants which are a hazard to health, from areas
where they are produced in significant quantities
(eg rooms containing processes which generate
harmful contaminants and rest rooms where
smoking is permitted);
c. rapidly dilute when necessary, pollutants and
water vapour produced in habitable rooms,
occupiable rooms and sanitary accommodation;
d. make available over long periods a minimum
supply of fresh air for occupants and to disperse
where necessary, residual water vapour. Such
ventilation should not significantly affect comfort
and where necessary, should be reasonably secure
and provide protection against rain penetration.
AND

0.4 Sanitary accommodation means a space

containing one or more closets or urinals. Sanitary
accommodation containing one or more cubicles
counts as a single space if there is free circulation
of air throughout the space.
0.5 Utility room means a room designed to or
likely to be used to contain clothes washing and
similar equipment such as a sink, washing
machine, tumble dryer or other feature or
equipment which may reasonably be expected to
produce water vapour in significant quantities.
0.6 Occupiable room means a room in a nondomestic building occupied by people such as an
office, workroom, classroom, hotel bedroom, etc.
but not a bathroom, sanitary accommodation, utility
room or rooms or spaces used solely or principally
for circulation, building services plant and storage
purposes.
0.7 Domestic buildings mean those buildings
used for dwelling purposes including dwelling
houses, flats, student accommodation and
residential homes.
0.8 Non-domestic buildings mean all other
buildings, including buildings where people
temporarily reside, such as hotels.
0.9 Passive stack ventilation (PSV) is a
ventilation system using ducts from the ceiling of
rooms to terminals on the roof, which operate by a
combination of the natural stack effect, ie the
movement of air due to the difference in
temperature between inside and outside, and the
effect of wind passing over the roof of the dwelling.

e. mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning

systems proposed for non-domestic buildings
would satisfy the requirement if they provided, as
necessary, the ventilation as set out in (a) to (d)
above and are:
f. designed, installed and commissioned to
perform in a way which is not detrimental to the
health of the people in the building; and
g. designed to facilitate necessary maintenance
for the purpose of (e) and (f) above.

Definitions
0.1 A ventilation opening can include any
means of ventilation (whether it is permanent or
closable) which opens directly to external air, such
as the openable parts of a window, a louvre,
airbrick, progressively openable ventilator, or
window trickle ventilator. It also includes any door
which opens directly to external air.
0.2 Habitable room means a room used for
dwelling purposes but which is not solely a kitchen.
0.3 Bathroom means a room containing a bath or
a shower, and can include sanitary accommodation.

Means of ventilation

Approved Document

Section 1 - Domestic buildings

F1

Section 1
DOMESTIC BUILDINGS
Introduction to provisions
1.1 This Approved Document shows two main
ways of complying with the requirement by:
a. following the provisions set out in paragraphs
1.2 to 1.8; or
b. alternative approaches set out in paragraph 1.9.
General
1.2 The performance will be achieved if the
following provisions are made in accordance with
Table 1:
a. for rapid ventilation, one or more ventilation
openings with some part of the ventilation opening at
high level (typically 1.75m above the floor level), eg
an opening window; and
b. for background ventilation, a ventilation
opening (or openings), eg trickle ventilators, air
bricks with a "hit and miss" ventilator, or where
appropriate, suitably designed opening windows
(see Diagram 1). The ventilation opening(s) should

be reasonably secure, adjustable and located

(typically 1.75m above the floor level) so as to
avoid discomfort due to cold draughts and to
prevent rain ingress; and
c. for extract ventilation, either by:
i. mechanical extract ventilation operated
manually and/or automatically by sensor or
controller; or
ii. passive stack ventilation operated manually
and/or automatically by sensor or controller
(see note 2 to Table 1); or
iii. an appropriate open-flued heating appliance
(see note 3 to Table 1).
For extract ventilation with open-flued appliances
the guidance in paragraph 1.8 should be followed.
1.3 For kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms and
sanitary accommodation not containing openable
windows see paragraph 1.5.
1.4 If the ventilation of a habitable room is
through another room or space, see paragraphs
1.6 and 1.7.

Room

Rapid ventilation
(eg opening windows)

Background ventilation(1) Extract ventilation fan rates

(see Diagram 1)
or passive stack (PSV)(2)(3)

Habitable room

1/20th of floor area

8000 mm2

Kitchen

opening window
(no minimum size)

4000 mm2

30 litres/second adjacent to
a hob or 60 litres/second
elsewhere(4) or PSV

opening window
(no minimum size)

4000 mm2

30 litres/second or PSV

opening window
(no minimum size)

4000 mm2

15 litres/second or PSV

(6)

Utility

room(5)

Bathroom
(with or without WC)

Sanitary accommodation 1/20th of floor area or mechanical 4000 mm2

(separate from bathroom) extract at 6 litres/second
Notes:
1. As an alternative approach to the provisions listed
in Table 1, the overall provision for background
ventilation for the dwelling should be equivalent to an
average of 6000mm2 per room for the rooms listed in
Table 1, with a minimum provision of 4000mm2 in
each room.
2. Passive stack ventilation provided in accordance with
BRE Information Paper 13/94 or with appropriate third party
certification, such as a BBA certificate, would be satisfactory.
3. Open-flued appliances take their combustion air from
the room or space in which they are installed and so
contribute to the extract ventilation when in operation.
They can also be arranged to provide adequate extract
ventilation when not firing. For instance no additional
extract ventilation would be necessary to satisfy the
requirement if:
a. the solid fuel open-flued appliance is a primary
source of heating, cooking or hot water production; or
b. the open-flued appliance has a flue with a free area
at least equivalent to a 125mm diameter duct and the

Approved Document

appliance's combustion air inlet and dilution air inlet are

permanently open, ie there is a path with no control
dampers which could block the flow or the ventilation path
can be left open when the appliance is not in use (see
also paragraph 1.8).
4. Mechanical extract ventilation should be rated:
a. not less than 30 litres/second, (i) when incorporated
within a cooker hood or (ii) when located near the ceiling
within 300mm of the centreline of the space for the hob
and under humidistat control; or
b. rated not less than 60 litres/second when located
elsewhere.
5. For the purpose of the Building Regulations, provision
for ventilation need not be made for a utility room which is
accessible only from outside the building.
6. Where rooms serve a combined function as defined in
Table 1, such as a kitchen-diner, the individual provisions
for rapid, background and extract ventilation need not be
duplicated provided that the greatest provision for the
individual functions is made from Table 1.

Means of ventilation
7

F1

Section 1 - Domestic buildings

see para 1.2b

The following are examples of provisions for
background ventilation. In each case, the ventilation
opening should be located (typically 1.75m above floor
level) so as to avoid discomfort due to cold draughts.
1. Trickle ventilators

3. Vertical sliding sash windows with adjustable

fixed locking positions

background
ventilation at
top of window

outside

a) In window frames

ironmongery to
secure window
when open for
background
ventilation

outside

b) In glazed openings

For background ventilation, the opening of the window

should be adjustable to provide the required area and
lockable so it is secure when open for background
ventilation.
Note: Provisions in B1 for certain windows to be
usable for means of escape.

outside

c) Above window frames

2. Airbrick with "hit and miss" ventilator

4. High-level top-hung window with adjustable

locking positions (because of the risk to security, this
should generally be restricted to use above ground
floor level)

lockable
fastener with
two opening
positions

minimum area
to comply with
requirements
in Table 1

Notes to examples 1 and 2:

To minimise resistance to air flow, the main air
passages (not insect screens or baffles, etc.) of an
installed ventilation opening (when fully open) should
have a smallest dimension of at least 5mm for slots or
8mm for square or circular holes.

Means of ventilation

For background ventilation, the opening of the window

should be adjustable to provide the required area and
be lockable with a removable key or similar device so
it is secure in at least two opening positions for
background ventilation.

Approved Document

Section 1 - Domestic buildings

F1

Ventilation of non-habitable rooms

not containing openable windows

1.7 A habitable room ventilated through an

adjoining space (see Diagram 3) would satisfy the
requirement if:

1.5 In kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms and

sanitary accommodation not containing openable
windows (ie internal rooms) the requirement will be
satisfied if there is either:
a. mechanical extract ventilation rated as in
Table 1 and the fan has a 15 minutes' overrun and
is either controlled automatically or manually; or
b. passive stack ventilation as in paragraph
1.2(c)ii; or
c. an open-flued heating appliance as in
paragraph 1.2(c)iii.

a. the adjoining space is a conservatory or similar

space; and

For (a) to (c) above, an air inlet should be provided,

eg a 10mm gap under the door.

In rooms with no natural light it would be appropriate

for the fans to be controlled by the operation of the light
switch.

Ventilation of habitable rooms

through other rooms and spaces

b. there is from the space to outside provision for

both:
i. rapid ventilation, one or more ventilation
openings, with a total area of at least 1/20th of
the combined floor area of the habitable room
and space and with some part of the ventilation
opening at high level (typically 1.75m above the
floor level); and
ii. background ventilation, a ventilation
opening (or openings) of at least 8000mm2; and
c. there are openings (which may be closable)
between the habitable room and the space for:
i. rapid ventilation equivalent to b(i) above; and
ii. background ventilation equivalent to b(ii)
above.

1.6 Two habitable rooms may be treated as a

single room for ventilation purposes if there is an
area of permanent opening between them equal to
at least 1/20th of the combined floor areas and
provision for the rooms was made from Table 1 for
a habitable room of the combined floor area (see
Diagram 2).

habitable
room

8000mm background
ventilation in each
position

conservatory or
similar space
both openings to provide
rapid ventilation at least
1/20th of the combined
floor area

Approved Document

Means of ventilation
9

F1

Section 1 - Domestic buildings

Interaction of mechanical extract

ventilation and open-flued
combustion appliances
1.8 Mechanical extract ventilation can cause the
spillage of flue gases from open-flued combustion
appliances in dwellings whether or not the fan(s) or
extract air terminals and combustion appliances
are located in the same room. Such spillage of flue
gases is dangerous and in dwellings where it is
proposed to install open-flued appliances and
mechanical extract ventilation the appliance needs
to be able to operate safely whether or not the fan
is running. For example with:
a. gas appliances, where the appliance and the
fan are located in the kitchen, the maximum
recommended extract rate is 20 litres/second. A
spillage test as described in BS 5440: Part 1,
Clause 4.3.2.3 should be carried out whether or not
the appliance and the fan are in the same room.
Where a fan causes an appliance in a different
room to spill, the extract rate may be reduced to
cure the problem. (Further advice is contained in
BRE Information Paper 21/92.)
b. oil-fired appliances, installed in compliance
with Technical Information Note T1/112, which can
be obtained from: Oil Firing Technical Association
for the Petroleum Industry (OFTEC), Century
House, 100 High Street, Banstead, Surrey, SM7
2NN. For further advice contact OFTEC.
c. solid fuel appliances, mechanical extract
ventilation should not be provided in the same
room. For further advice contact HETAS (Heating
Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme), PO Box
37, Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire, GL52 4TB.

Alternative approaches
1.9 As an alternative to paragraphs 1.2 to 1.7 the
requirement will be satisfied by following the
relevant recommendations of:
a. BS 5925: 1991 Code of practice for ventilation
principles and designing for natural ventilation. The
relevant clauses are 4.4, 4.5, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 5.1, 6.1,
6.2, 7.2, 7.3, 12 and 13; or
b. BS 5720: 1979 Code of practice for mechanical
ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings. The
relevant clauses are 2.3.2.1, 2.3.3.1, 2.5.2.9,
3.1.1.1, 3.1.1.3 and 3.2.6; or
c. BS 5250: 1989 Code of practice for the control
of condensation in buildings. The relevant clauses
are 6, 7, 8, 9.1, 9.8, 9.9.1 to 9.9.3 and Appendix C; or
d. BRE Digest 398 Continuous mechanical
ventilation in dwellings: design, installation and
operation. For the design of either:
- continuous balanced (supply and extract)
mechanical ventilation to be provided throughout
the dwelling; or
- continuous mechanical extract ventilation to be
provided in kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms and
sanitary accommodation.
Means of ventilation
10

Approved Document

Section 2 - Non-domestic buildings

F1

Section 2
NON-DOMESTIC BUILDINGS
Introduction to provisions
2.1 This Approved Document shows the main
ways of complying with the requirement:
a. by following the provisions set out in paragraphs
2.2 to 2.5 or by following the alternative approaches
set out in paragraph 2.6; and where relevant,
b. for specialist activities by following the
provisions set out in paragraph 2.7; and
c. for car parks by following the provisions set out
in paragraph 2.8 or the alternative approach set out
in paragraph 2.9;
AND FOR MECHANICAL VENTILATION/AIRCONDITIONING PLANT
d. by following the provisions set out in
paragraphs 2.11 to 2.13 or the alternative
approaches set out in paragraph 2.14 for the
design of mechanical ventilation/air-conditioning
plant and the provisions set out in paragraphs 2.15
and 2.16 for access for maintenance; and

e. where a mechanical ventilation or airconditioning system serving more than 200m2 is

installed by following the provision in paragraph 2.17.
General
2.2 The requirement will be satisfied if the
following provisions are made in accordance with
Table 2 for:
a. rapid ventilation. One or more ventilation
opening with some part of the ventilation opening at
high level (typically 1.75m above the floor level), eg
an opening window; and
b. background ventilation. A ventilation opening
(or openings), eg trickle ventilators, air bricks with a
"hit and miss" ventilator, suitably designed opening
windows (see Diagram 4). The ventilation
opening(s) should be adjustable and located
(typically 1.75m above floor level) so as to avoid
discomfort due to cold draughts and to prevent rain
ingress; and
c. extract ventilation. By mechanical extract
ventilation operated manually and/or automatically
by sensor or controller.

Extract ventilation(3,4)
fan rates

Rapid ventilation
(eg opening windows)

Background ventilation
(see Diagram 4)

1 /20th of floor area

for floor areas:

up to 10m2 - 4000mm2;
greater than 10m2 - at the
rate of 400mm2/m2 of floor area

Kitchen(2)
(domestic type)

opening window
(no minimum size)

4000 mm2

30 litres/second adjacent
to hob, or 60 litres/second
elsewhere

Bathrooms
(including showerrooms)

opening window
(no minimum size)

4000 mm2 per

bath/shower

15 litres/second per
bath/shower

Sanitary accommodation
(and/or washing facilities)

1/20th of floor area, or

mechanical ventilation at
6 litres/second per WC or 3 air
changes per hour

4000 mm2 per WC

Room
Occupiable

room(1)

Notes:
1. For specific rooms designed for heavy smoking, such
as rest rooms where smoking is permitted, see
paragraph 2.7(e).
2. A domestic type kitchen is one where the appliances
and usage are of a domestic nature. This provision is
not intended to cover commercial kitchens, see
paragraph 2.7(f).

Approved Document

3. PSV as described in paragraph 1.2(c)ii can be used as

an alternative to a mechanical extract fan for domestic
type facilities.
4. Where an open-flued appliance is provided in a building
with mechanical extract, the spillage of flue gases could
occur. The open-flued appliance needs to be able to
operate safely whether or not the fan is running and
guidance is provided in paragraph 1.8 and Approved
Document J.

Means of ventilation
11

F1

Section 2 - Non-domestic buildings

Mechanical ventilation of rooms

2.3 The requirement will be satisfied for:
a. occupiable rooms, where mechanical
ventilation is provided at the rate of not less than 8
litres/second of fresh air per occupant. This
assumes that the provision is for no smoking, an
appropriate provision for rooms designed for light
smoking would be a fresh air supply of 16 litres/
second per occupant. For specific rooms designed
for heavy smoking, such as rest rooms where
smoking is permitted, see paragraph 2.7(e).
b. kitchens, bathrooms and sanitary
accommodation without windows (eg internal
rooms), where provision is made for mechanical
extract ventilation rated as in Table 2 and the fan
has a 15 minutes' overrun and is either controlled
automatically or manually. For such rooms, it would
be appropriate for the operation of the fans to be
controlled by the light switch, or occupant detecting
sensor. An air inlet to the room should be provided,
eg a 10mm gap under the door.

see para 2.2b

The following are examples of provisions for

background ventilation. In each case, the ventilation
opening should be located (typically 1.75m above floor
level) so as to avoid discomfort due to cold draughts.
1. Trickle ventilators
outside

a) In window frames

outside

2.4 For the design and commissioning of

mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning plant,
see paragraphs 2.11 to 2.17.

Ventilation of common spaces in

non-domestic buildings
2.5 These provisions only apply to common
spaces where large numbers of people are
expected to gather, such as shopping malls and
foyers. It does not apply to common spaces used
solely or principally for circulation.
The requirement will be satisfied if there is
provision to spaces where large numbers of people
are expected to gather for either:
a. natural ventilation by appropriately located
ventilation opening(s) with a total area of at least
1 /50th of the floor area of the common space; or

b) In glazed openings

outside

c) Above window
frames
2. Airbrick with "hit and miss" ventilator

b. mechanical ventilation designed to provide a

supply of fresh air of one litre/second per m2 of floor
area.

Alternative approaches
2.6 As an alternative to paragraphs 2.2 and 2.5
the requirement will be satisfied:
a. by following the relevant recommendations of
BS 5925: 1991 Code of practice for ventilation
principles and designing for natural ventilation. The
relevant clauses are 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.3, 12 and
13; or
b. by following the relevant recommendations of
CIBSE Guide A: Design data and CIBSE Guide B:
Installation and equipment data. The relevant
sections are A4 Air infiltration and natural
ventilation, B2 Ventilation and air-conditioning
(requirements).

Means of ventilation
12

Notes to examples 1 and 2:

To minimise resistance to air flow, the main air
passages (not insect screens or baffles, etc.) of an
installed ventilation opening (when fully open)
should have a smallest dimension of at least 5mm
for slots or 8mm for square or circular holes.

3. Vertical sliding sash or top-hung windows

For background ventilation, the opening of the
window should be adjustable to provide the
required area shown in Table 2.

Approved Document

Section 2 - Non-domestic buildings

F1

Ventilation of specialist activities

Ventilation of car parks

2.7 The requirement will be satisfied by following

the appropriate design guidance for each of the
specialist activities, such as:

2.8 The requirement will be satisfied for car parks

below ground level, enclosed type car parks and
multi-storey car parks if there is:

a. School or other educational establishment.

Ventilation provisions can be made either in
accordance with the guidance in DfEE Building
Bulletin 87, or in accordance with Table 2, with the
exception of sanitary accommodation where six air
changes per hour are desirable. In spaces where
noxious fumes may be generated additional provision
for ventilation should be made and may require the
use of fume cupboards designed in accordance with
DFE Design Note 29.

a. Naturally ventilated car parks. The provision

of well distributed permanent natural ventilation, eg
openings at each car parking level with an
aggregate area equal to at least 1/20th of the floor
area at that level, of which at least half should be in
two opposing walls.

b. Workplaces. Aspects relating to specific

workplaces and work processes, following the
recommendations given in HSE Guidance Note
EH22 Ventilation of the workplace.
c. Hospitals. The ventilation needed for various
types of accommodation will be different depending
on the functional use of the space; these values will
also vary throughout the year. The requirements
are contained in the DHSS Activity Data Base with
general guidance and provision given in
Department of Health Building Notes appropriate to
each specific departmental area (eg HBN 4 Adult
Acute Wards, HBN 21 Maternity Departments and
HBN 46 General medical practice premises).
d. Building services plant rooms. Provision for
emergency ventilation to control dispersal of
contaminating gas releases (eg refrigerant leak)
given in paragraphs 25 to 27 of HSE Guidance
Note EH22 Ventilation of the workplace. Other
guidance in BS 4434: 1989. Specification for safety
aspects in the design, construction and installation
of refrigeration appliances and systems.
e. Rest rooms where smoking is permitted.
The Workplace Regulations require that "Rest
rooms and rest areas shall include suitable
arrangements to protect non-smokers from
discomfort caused by tobacco smoke". The
following guidance would satisfy this requirement:
i. natural ventilation. Provision should be
made for both:
- an air supply in accordance with Table 2 for
an occupiable room; and
- the removal of tobacco smoke particles
through local extract ventilation.
ii. mechanical ventilation. The design of the
ventilation system should prevent the
recirculation of air contaminated with tobacco
smoke. This could be achieved by extracting
the smoke-laden air to outside at a rate of at
least 16 litres/second per person.
f. Commercial kitchens. Guidance on ventilation
provision is given in CIBSE Guide B, Tables B2.3
and B2.11.

Approved Document

b.

Mechanically ventilated car parks, either:

i. the provision of both permanent natural
ventilation openings of not less than 1/40th of
the floor area and a mechanical ventilation
system capable of at least three air changes
per hour; or
ii. for basement car parks, the provision of a
mechanical ventilation system capable of at
least six air changes per hour; and
iii. for exits and ramps, where cars queue
inside the building with engines running,
provision should be made to ensure a local
ventilation rate of at least ten air changes per
hour.

Alternative approach
2.9 As an alternative to paragraph 2.8, the
requirement will be satisfied if the mean predicted
pollutant levels are calculated and the ventilation
designed to limit the concentration of carbon
monoxide to not more than 50 parts per million
averaged over an eight hour period and peak
concentrations, such as by ramps and exits, not to
go above 100 parts per million for periods not
exceeding 15 minutes.
2.10 Further guidance can be found in Code of
practice for ground floor, multi-storey and
underground car parks published by the Association
for Petroleum and Explosives Administration and in
CIBSE Guide B, Section B2-6 and Table B2-7.

Design of mechanical
ventilation/air-conditioning plant
2.11 The requirement will be satisfied if provision
is made to protect the fresh air supplies from
contaminants injurious to health. Air inlets for
ventilation systems should not be sited where they
may draw in excessively contaminated air (for
example close to a flue, an exhaust ventilation
system outlet, an evaporative cooling tower, or from
an area in which vehicles manoeuvre).
2.12 Guidance on design measures to avoid
legionella contamination, including design features
not related to the ventilation of the building, is
covered in HSE's The control of legionellosis
including legionnaires' disease. The relevant
paragraphs are 71 to 89.

Means of ventilation
13

F1

Section 2 - Non-domestic buildings

2.13 Guidance on recirculated air in airconditioning and mechanical ventilation systems is

given in HSE's Workplace (Health, Safety and
Welfare) Regulations 1992 Approved Code of
Practice and Guidance L24, the relevant paragraph
is 32.

see para 2.16

passageway

Alternative approaches

600mm

2.14 As an alternative to paragraphs 2.11 to 2.13

the requirement will be satisfied:
a. by following the relevant recommendations of BS
5720: 1979 Code of practice for mechanical
ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings. The
relevant clauses are 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.5,
3.2.6, 3.2.8 and 5.5.6; or
b. by following the relevant recommendations of
CIBSE Guide B Installation and equipment data. The
relevant sections are B2 Ventilation and airconditioning (requirements) and B3 Ventilation and
air-conditioning (systems, equipment and control).

2.0m

General
1.1m

Access for maintenance

2.15 Reasonable provision would be to include:
a. Access for the purpose of replacing filters; and
b. Provision of access points for cleaning duct
work.
2.16 In a central plant room adequate space
should be provided as necessary for the
maintenance of the plant. Where no special
provision is required, the requirement could be
satisfied if a 600mm space is provided where access
is required between plant and 1100mm where
space for routine cleaning is required (see Diagram
5). These figures are the minimum necessary and
additional space may be needed for access doors.
Further guidance for more complex situations can be
found in BSRIA Technical Note 10/92: Space
allowances for building services distribution
systems, Section A5 and D2.

1.4m

690mm

Kneel

Commissioning
2.17 Where mechanical ventilation and airconditioning systems are installed to serve floor
areas in excess of 200m2 and the relevant
provisions in paragraphs 2.3 to 2.16 have been
undertaken, the requirement will be satisfied if the
building control body is provided with confirmation
that the mechanical ventilation systems have been
commissioned and tested to demonstrate that they
are operating effectively for the purpose of
ventilation. A way of demonstrating compliance with
the requirements would be to present test reports
and commissioning certificates which certify that
commissioning and testing have been carried out in
accordance with the CIBSE commissioning codes
and that the systems perform in accordance with the
specification.

Means of ventilation
14

Approved Document

F2

CONDENSATION IN ROOFS

The Requirement
This Approved Document deals with the following
Requirement from Part F of Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations 2000.

Requirement

Limits on application

Condensation in Roofs
F2.
Adequate provision shall be made to
prevent excessive condensation a) in a roof; or
b) in a roof void above an insulated ceiling.

Guidance
Performance
In the Secretary of State's view, the requirement of
F2 will be met if condensation in a roof and in the
spaces above insulated ceilings is limited so that,
under normal conditions:
a. the thermal performance of the insulating
materials and
b. the structural performance of the roof
construction
will not be substantially and permanently reduced.

Introduction to provisions
0.1 The requirement will be met by the ventilation
of cold deck roofs, ie those roofs where the
moisture from the building can permeate the
insulation, as in sections 1 and 2 below.

0.4 Guidance is given on meeting the requirements

for pitched roofs in section 1 below. However, if the
ceiling of a room follows the pitch of the roof,
ventilation should be provided as if it were a flat
roof.
0.5 Guidance is given on meeting the requirements
for flat roofs in section 2 below.
0.6 Although a part of a roof which has a pitch of
70or more is to be insulated as though it were a
wall, the provisions in this document apply to roofs
of any pitch.
0.7 Ventilation openings may be continuous or
distributed along the full length and may be fitted
with a screen, facia, baffle, etc.
0.8 Further detailed guidance is given in the BRE
report BR 262 Thermal insulation: avoiding risks,
1994 edition.

0.2 It is not necessary to ventilate warm deck roofs

or inverted roofs, ie those roofs where the moisture
from the building cannot permeate the insulation.
0.3 For the purposes of health and safety it may
not always be necessary to provide ventilation to
small roofs such as those over porches and bay
windows.

Approved Document

Condensation in roofs
15

F2

Section 1
ROOFS WITH A PITCH OF 15 OR
MORE (PITCHED ROOFS)
Introduction
1.1 If the ceiling follows the pitch of the roof, see
section 2.

at least equal to
continuous strip
10mm wide

1.2 Pitched roof spaces should have ventilation

openings at eaves level to promote crossventilation. These openings should have an area on
opposite sides at least equal to continuous
ventilation running the full length of the eaves and
10mm wide (see Diagram 6(a)).
1.3 Purpose-made components are available to
ensure that quilt and loose fill insulation will not
obstruct the flow of air where the insulation and the
roof meet.
1.4 A pitched roof which has a single slope and
abuts a wall should have ventilation openings at
eaves level and at high level. The ventilation at high
level may be arranged at the junction of the roof
and the wall or through the roof covering. If it is
through the roof covering it should be placed as
high as practicable. The area at high level should
be at least equal to continuous ventilation running
the full length of the junction and 5mm wide (see
Diagram 6(b)).

Alternative approach

(a) Pitched roof

at least equal to
continuous strip
5mm wide
at least equal to
continuous strip
10mm wide

(b) Lean-to roof

1.5 The requirement can also be met by following

the relevant recommendations of BS 5250:1989
Code of practice for the control of condensation in
buildings. The relevant clauses are 9.1, 9.2 and 9.4.

Condensation in roofs

16

Approved Document

F2

Section 2
ROOFS WITH A PITCH OF LESS
THAN 15 AND THOSE WHERE
THE CEILING FOLLOWS THE
PITCH OF THE ROOF

2.5 Pitched roofs where the insulation follows the

pitch of the roof also need ventilation at the ridge at
least equal to continuous ventilation running the
length of the ridge and 5mm wide (see Diagram
7(b)).

2.1 These provisions also apply to roofs with a

pitch of 15 or more if the ceiling follows the pitch of
the roof.

2.6 Where the edges of the roof abut a wall or

other obstruction in such a way that free air paths
cannot be formed to promote cross ventilation or
the movement of air outside any ventilation
openings would be restricted, an alternative form of
roof construction should be adopted (see paragraph
0.2 in F2).

2.2 Roof spaces should have ventilation openings

in two opposite sides to promote cross ventilation.
These openings should have an area at least equal
to continuous ventilation running the full length of
the eaves and 25mm wide (see Diagram 7(a)).
2.3 Roofs with a span exceeding 10m or other than
a simple rectangle in plan may require more
ventilation, totalling 0.6% of the roof area.
2.4 The void should have a free air space of at
least 50mm between the roof deck and the
insulation. Where joists run at right angles to the
flow of air a suitable air space may be formed by
using counter-battens.

2.7 Vapour checks can reduce the amount of

moisture reaching a void but they cannot be relied
on as an alternative to ventilation. A complete
barrier to moisture is needed for this.

Alternative approach
2.8 The requirement can also be met by following the
relevant recommendations of BS 5250:1989 Code of
practice for the control of condensation in buildings.
The relevant clauses are 9.1, 9.2 and 9.4.

BS 5250 uses the term vapour control layer instead of

vapour check.

at least equal to
continuous strip
25mm wide

at least equal to
continuous strip
25mm wide
at least 50mm

at least 50mm

(a) Flat roof

at least equal to continuous

strip 5mm wide

at least equal to continuous

strip 5mm wide
at least 50mm

at least equal to
continuous strip
25mm wide

(b) Ceiling following pitch of roof

Approved Document

at least 50mm

at least equal to
continuous strip
25mm wide

Condensation in roofs
17

F2

Standards referred to
F1 and F2
BS 4434: 1989 Specification for safety aspects in the
design, construction and installation of refrigerating
appliances and systems.
BS 5250: 1989 Code of practice for the control of
condensation in buildings.
BS 5440: Part 1: 1990 Specification for installation of
flues.
BS 5720: 1979 Code of practice for mechanical
ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings.
BS 5925: 1991 Code of practice for ventilation
principles and designing for natural ventilation.

Other publications referred to

Building Research Establishment (BRE)
BRE Report BR 262 1994 Thermal insulation:
avoiding risks (ISBN 0 85125 632 5).
BRE Digest 398 September 1994 Continuous
mechanical ventilation in dwellings: design,
installation and operation.
BRE Information Paper IP 21/92 Spillage of flue
gases from open-flued combustion appliances
(ISBN 0 85125 635 X).

Association for Petroleum and Explosives

Administration, Code of practice for ground floor,
multi-storey and underground car parks, APEA,
1991.
Building Services Research and Information
Association Technical Note TN 10/92, Space
allowances for building services distribution
systems - detailed design stage, BSRIA 1992
(ISBN 0 86226 350 7).

BRE Information Paper IP 13/94 July 1994 Passive

stack ventilation systems: design and installation.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services

Engineers, CIBSE Guides A: Design data and
B: Installation and equipment data, CIBSE, 1988
(ISBN 0 900953 29 2 and 30 6).

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Department for Education Design Note 29, Fume

cupboards.

Ventilation of the workplace, EH 22 (rev), HMSO,

1988 (ISBN 0 11 885403 8).
The control of legionellosis including legionnaires'
disease HSG (G) 70. HMSO 1993
(ISBN 0 11 882150 4).
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and
Guidance, L24, London. HMSO
(ISBN 0 11 886333 9).

Ventilation
18

OFTEC Technical Note TN/112, The Building

Regulations 1991 for England and Wales,
Approved Document F1, Means of ventilation - oil
fired appliances and extract fans.
Building Bulletin 87, Guidelines for environmental
design in schools. Published by The Stationery Office
for the Department for Education and Employment,
ISBN 0-11-271013-1.

Approved Document

Approved Documents
The following documents have been approved and
issued by the Secretary of State for the purpose of
providing practical guidance with respect to the
requirements of the Building Regulations 2000.
Approved Document A - Structure: 1992 Edition,
fourth impression (with amendments) 1994, further
amended 2000
Approved Document B - Fire safety: 2000 Edition,
amended 2000
Approved Document C - Site preparation and
resistance to moisture: 1992 Edition, second
impression (with amendments) 1992. further
amended 2000
Approved Document D - Toxic Substances: amended
1992, further amended 2000
Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of
sound: 1992 Edition, second impression (with
amendments) 1992, further amended 2000
Approved Document F - Ventilation: 1995 Edition,
amended 2000
Approved Document G - Hygiene: 1992 Edition,
second impression (with amendments) 1992. further
amended 2000
Approved Document H - Drainage and Waste
Disposal: amended 1992, further amended 2000
Approved Document J - Heat Producing Appliances:
amended 1992, further amended 2000
Approved Document K - Protection from falling,
collision and impact: 1998 Edition, amended 2000
Approved Document L - Conservation of fuel and
power: 1995 Edition, amended 2000
Approved Document M - Access and facilities for
disabled people: 1999 Edition, amended 2000
Approved Document N - Glazing - safety in relation to
impact, opening and cleaning: 1998 Edition,
amended 2000
Approved Document to support regulation 7 materials and workmanship: 1999 Edition, amended
2000

designed by NBA Tectonics, London NW1 0EE.

Approved Document

Printed in the United Kingdom for The Stationery Office

137336 C2 04/03 19585

Ventilation
19

APPROVED DOCUMENTS

Approved Documents
The following documents have been approved
and issued by the Secretary of State for the
purpose of providing practical guidance with
respect to the requirements of the Building
Regulations 2000.
Approved Document A - Structure: 1992
Edition, fourth impression (with amendments)
1994, further amended 2000
Approved Document B - Fire Safety: 2000
Edition, amended 2000
Approved Document C - Site preparation
and resistance to moisture: 1992 Edition,
second impression (with amendments) 1992,
further amended 2000
Approved Document D - Toxic substances:
amended 1992, further amended 2000
Approved Document E - Resistance to the
passage of sound: 1992 Edition, second
impression (with amendments) 1992, further
amended 2000
Approved Document F -Ventilation: 1995
Edition, amended 2000
Approved Document G - Hygiene: 1992
Edition, second impression (with amendments)
1992, further amended 2000
Approved Document H - Drainage and waste
disposal: 2002 Edition
Approved Document J - Combustion
appliances and fuel storage systems:
2002 Edition
Approved Document K - Protection from
falling, collision and impact: 1998 Edition,
amended 2000
Approved Document L1 - Conservation of
fuel and power in dwellings: 2002 Edition
Approved Document L2 - Conservation of
fuel and power in buildings other than
dwellings: 2002 Edition
Approved Document M - Access and
facilities for disabled people: 1999 Edition,
amended 2000
Approved Document N - Glazing - safety in
relation to impact, opening and cleaning:
1998 Edition, amended 2000
Approved Document to support regulation 7
- Materials and workmanship: 1999 Edition,
amended 2000

Approved Document F

Ventilation

Published by TSO (The Stationery Office) and available from:

Building Regulations 2000

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Applications for reproduction should be made in writing to The Copyright
Unit, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, St Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ
First published 1995
Third edition 1994 (Replaces edition with amendments 1992)
Seventh impression 2003

Ventilation

Crown copyright 1992. Published for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister under licence from the